A Crucible of Souls (Book One of the Sorcery Ascendant Sequence) (38 page)

Caldan heard Izak cough into a hand then murmur something unintelligible and wander away from the table. His heart beat faster. What would Miranda think of him? Why did he think of Miranda at a time like this?

“
I must decline,
”
he stammered.

“
Must you?
”

“
Yes, my lady.
”
She raised an eyebrow at him.
“
Um… Felice.
”
Caldan scrabbled for an excuse.
“
Honestly, I don’t know where I am at the moment. I’m new to the city and was lucky the sorcerers took me in.
”

“
I would say they were lucky.
”

“
Either way, I need some stability right now.
”

“
I won’t push, and I’m not offended. I had better be going.
”

She nodded and without another word left him standing there by the abandoned game.

Izak sidled up to him.
“
Well, well, well. You must have impressed her.
”

Caldan shook his head. He didn’t know what to make of the Lady Felice. He rubbed his eyes and yawned. It felt like a long night, though it was still relatively early.

“
You should have another game tonight. You need to take advantage before word of this gets out.
”

“
No. I should be getting back. I’ve had enough stress for one night.
”

Izak sighed in resignation. Out of his coat pocket he pulled a piece of paper similar to Caldan’s.
“
Let’s go collect then. Are you sure…?
”

“
I’m sure. No more tonight.
”

Izak guided Caldan through the crowd by the arm. A few people nodded to Caldan, and one man clapped him on the back. They wound their way over to the man sitting under the chalkboard, who handed over their winnings with minimal fuss.

The cloth purse lay heavy in Caldan’s hand. More ducats than he had ever had in his life, enough to pay Master Simmon back and have plenty left over. Enough to treat Miranda to a decent meal to repay her kindness.

Izak bounced his purse in his hand.
“
Well, if you’re going to have an early night, I might do the same. Too much excitement is not good for someone my age. Except sometimes!
”
He laughed, and Caldan couldn’t help but join in.

Declining a farewell drink, Caldan exchanged a brief goodbye with assurances that he would return to the Yawning Rabbit soon and seek Izak out.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Darkness. The night had been one made for restless sleep. Broiling and sticky, making Bells toss and turn in what felt like an endless nightmare of fetid sweat and stale air.

She had abandoned sleep well before dawn, preferring to while away the hours on the deck of the ship rather than toss and turn in her narrow bunk. Never one for sea travel, this journey had thankfully taken less time than she dared to hope.

Only her
crafting
prevented her from becoming ill due to the ship’s constant swaying, though she, her brother Keys and the few sorcerers with them were the only ones able to stave off the misery. Many of the soldiers below decks weren’t so fortunate, and the stench of vomit never went away.

A scuff sounded behind her, and she opened her well, preparing herself. Ah, it was the captain, no doubt coming above deck as their destination neared. She closed herself off from her well and shivered, rubbing her arms. She was far too touchy these days, nervous and jumping at shadows. Keys would have laughed at her if he had seen her reaction.

She watched as the captain, a thin, long-nosed man with spectacles, set the crew to readying the ship to dock, even though they were some time out yet.

A cool wind blew from behind them, speeding their progress, and the patter of rain started as the long awaited downpour began. The storm was short-lived. A brightening sky swept the shadows as cliffs loomed on their right. Ahead, she could see a break in the bleak rock face.

Not long now, she thought with trepidation. No need to descend below and make sure everyone knew their roles. Planning for this mission had been long and detailed. Everyone knew their part.

As the sun peeked over the horizon, the ship rounded the northern breakwater of the harbor of Anasoma. To their right in the water were hundreds of decrepit old ships, clustered together as if that would shelter them from the ravages of time and the sea. The Cemetery, she knew it was called. A place ships went to die, now inhabited by some of the poorest people in the empire.

She shook her head at the plight of the unfortunate and her crafted bells, woven into her long dark hair, tinkled softly.

Even at this distance, the fishermen on the docks would see their ship was huge, dwarfing the ships moored permanently in the Cemetery. Its sails were being furled and oars unshipped to allow the captain control as the ship came into harbor.

Keys finally make his way onto the deck. He met her eyes and nodded with a wry smile before joining the captain. Numerous keys were suspended from chains around his neck, how he came by his name, just as they called her Bells, and from his belt hung a scabbarded sword.
Don’t ever leave me,
she thought.

Knifing through the water faster than any other ship dared move this close to the docks, the
Black Lion
headed straight for the stone wharves, where important foreign ships and the emperor’s own berthed. At the last possible moment, the oars dug in and reverse strokes cut its speed to a mere crawl. It was a display meant to impress.

The docks themselves were deserted, apart from the fishing wharves. There, boats departed to begin the day’s work, while others were arriving, holds filled with fish to feed a starving city. Somewhere, a scream sounded, followed by a curt exchange of harsh voices. Sticky heat, poverty and overcrowding boiled away the barriers between man and his basic nature. Cursing the foreign visitors, the workers on the docks bent back to their tasks.

An officer of the harbor watch strode down the wharf and stopped alongside the ship.
“
What vessel?
”
he bellowed.

“
Black Lion
, out of Indryalla,
”
returned the captain.

“
What’s your business in Anasoma? This wharf is reserved for ships under the emperor’s protection, not for merchants.
”

“
Then fetch your superiors. We are on a diplomatic mission under the personal orders of the God-Emperor of Indryalla. Be so good as to send us a provisioner, and a quality one at that. It’s been a long voyage, and my men need fresh rations.
”

The harbor watch officer screwed up his nose at the captain’s commanding tone.
“
After I’m done with you, and after my superiors are done with you, and after we confirm you are who you say you are, and represent who you say you do, then you can send your own men to fetch whatever you need. Am I clear?
”

On the deck, Keys’ hand shifted to rest on the pommel of his sword, perhaps unconsciously.
“
I believe you are, sir,
”
he replied for the captain with a half-smile.

Soon the ship was secured to the wharf with thick ropes, sails furled, the hull gently bobbing on the swell. Men of the harbor watch bustled around the ship, senior officers appeared to deal with potential diplomats, messengers were dispatched.

Two nights later, Rathin, a harbor watchman ordered to guard the approach to the ship, stood warming his hands by a brazier glowing with smoldering coals. Three of his fellows lay sleeping around him, wrapped in their cloaks as best they could to keep the night’s chill from their bones.

Motion aboard the ship caught his attention, and he took a moment to nudge his fellow guards awake.

Three horsemen, followed by five figures, left the ship, clattering down the sturdy gangplank after the moon slipped behind a cloud. One horse snorted, breath misting in the chill night air. They made their way along the wharf towards the harbor watchmen and the city.

The guards’ hands gripped their clubs tighter as the figures approached, all eight with their faces obscured by the hoods of their cloaks.

Four gold coins struck the stones at their feet. More than any of them could earn in a long, long time. Rathin licked his lips and glanced towards his fellows.

“
You never saw us,
”
rasped the lead horseman.

Dumbstruck, Rathin nodded.
“
Y-yes, of course,
”
he stammered.

His fellows scrabbled for the coins on the ground.

The three horsemen headed west into the city in the direction of Cabbage Town. All five shrouded men following them split off in different directions. Soon, they were swallowed by the darkness, like wraiths dissolving into the shadows.

Chapter Twenty-Five

It took Caldan two hours to weave his way through the morning crowds before he arrived at the place he had agreed to meet Miranda. Six days had passed following his victory over Lady Felicienne, and Caldan still felt uneasy with the gold ducats he had won, courtesy of Izak. He’d paid Master Simmon back, his largesse being met with a raised eyebrow and pointed questions as to where he had come about ducats so swiftly. Caldan had confessed, red-faced, but Simmon had merely grinned and told him not to win too much, with an explanation that some of the merchants didn’t like it when sorcerers did well against them on account they might be cheating.

A few coins he spent on essentials, the remainder he secreted under his straw mattress. He had crafted another lock for his door that should stop any casual thief from entering his room.

He hadn’t yet repaid Miranda for the meal they shared, and he didn’t want to take her to the Yawning Rabbit lest they ran into Izak.

Caldan caught sight of Miranda and waved. They had arranged to meet at an intersection in Dockside, as Miranda said she had some business to arrange and would introduce him to a contact he might be able to use to find out about his
trinket
.

She waved back, and Caldan lowered his arm with relief. Master Simmon had him performing a seemingly endless succession of exercises the last three days. Designed to strengthen his body, the exercise sessions left him gasping for breath and aching. Afternoons were dedicated to
crafting
and lessons on alchemy and history. Caldan found his appetite returning to what it had been before he arrived, managing to put away twice as much as his fellow apprentices, to his embarrassment and their amusement.

Miranda favored him with a smile as she approached from across the street, pausing to avoid a group of children running past.

“
How are you?
”
she asked, touching his arm.
“
Come on,
”
she said before he mustered a reply.
“
Let’s get going so we can get our business out of the way and enjoy the day.
”

“
I’m well, apart from being sore. What have you been up to?
”

“
This and that. More this than that.
”
She grinned mischievously.
“
I managed to secure a deal that might make some ducats, if it works out.
”

Caldan laughed. Miranda was always up to something.
“
Good. At least one of us has the sense to make an honest living.
”

“
I didn’t say it was honest, and what do you mean? Have you fallen into some dishonest coins since we last met?
”

“
Not exactly, but I could have been in a lot of trouble.
”
He explained the night at the Yawning Rabbit.

Miranda doubled over with laughter.
“
Sounds like this Izak is a character, albeit someone you might want to watch yourself with.
”

“
That’s what I think. He didn’t act stable at all. I think he likes taking risks.
”

“
And living life to the full. Still, it worked out well for you in the end.
”

“
Better than you think,
”
he said with a grin.

“
What do you mean?
”

“
I haven’t had a chance to tell you about the Lady Felicienne.
”

Miranda gave him a cool look.
“
You met a lady?
”

“
Yes, at the Yawning Rabbit.
”

Miranda examined her nails.
“
Really? How nice for you. Was she pretty?
”

“
What? I guess so.
”
At her deepening frown, Caldan swallowed.
Was she jealous?
“
She was the one I played Dominion with. She works for the emperor and has access to information.
”

“
Ah, I see.
”

“
Since I won, she’s now in my debt.
”

“
Really?
”

“
That was the bet we made. If I win then she helps me.
”

“
And if you lost?
”

“
I’m not sure… I kind of left it open…
”

“
Caldan, that’s risky! She could have asked anything of you!
”
She eyed him, and a faint blush rose to her cheeks.
“
I’ve heard those ladies can be quite forward.
”

“
It all worked out in the end. And I made a few ducats, so it ended well.
”

“
Does that mean dinner is on the cards soon?
”

“
When I find a suitable place.
”

“
You have no idea where to go, do you?
”

“
Not really,
”
he admitted with a smile.

“
Well, I’m not going to help you. Ask around the masters. I’m sure they know a few places that serve decent food.
”

“
Good advice. I’ll take it.
”

“
I’m always full of good advice.
”

“
Whether people want it or not?
”

“
Exactly. If they don’t listen, at least I tried.
”
She stopped and took hold of his chin, turning his cheek towards her.
“
Elpidia knows her stuff. The scar has faded nicely, and it hasn’t been long. Remind me to see her if I ever need to have something stitched.
”

“
How likely is that?
”

“
You only took a few days, so more likely than you think.
”

They ducked into another side street as up ahead two carts blocked their way, amid loud protestations from both drivers and a vocal crowd. Soon Caldan could smell the sea and caught glimpses of water between buildings as they strolled down a steep street towards the harbor.

Miranda guided them through a few turns and eventually they found themselves standing in front of a building across from the docks. Compared to many of the buildings around it, it was well maintained, with a fresh coat of whitewash on the walls. Where the building stopped, the walls continued to surround the large patch of land the trading company owned. A thick wrought iron gate stood in the middle of the wall, while bright red double doors opened into the building proper. Fixed atop the door in raised bronze letters was a sign declaring the building home to the Five Oceans Mercantile Concern.

Miranda didn’t wait to see if he followed as she strode confidently through the open door. Caldan stepped quickly after her into the opulent interior of the building. Smooth, gray marble tiles paved the floor, and highly polished mahogany counters lined all three sides of the large entry room within. A number of employees were behind the counters, talking with people who had business there and looking busy writing in ledgers and organizing papers. Expensive crafted sorcerous globes hung on the walls every few yards, illuminating the room more than necessary. The odor of roasted coffee overlaid with spices pervaded the air, signifying large quantities of the costly products were close by.

They both paused, awestruck at the sheer amount of ducats that had been spent to create such an impression.

“
What a waste,
”
Caldan muttered.
“
This doesn’t look like a merchants’ office. At least, it isn’t what I expected.
”

“
Shhh. They aren’t just merchants,
”
she explained.
“
They loan ducats as well, and own businesses in the city. And not only Anasoma. No one knows for sure, but it’s widely believed they are the wealthiest company in the city, if not the empire.
”

“
They’re a bank as well?
”

“
Yes.
”
She stood looking around at the counters, obviously unsure of which one she needed to go to.

“
May I assist you?
”
came a soft voice from their left.

Caldan turned to find a woman. Her blonde hair was tied back, and there was a bright smile on her face.
“
If you can tell me what you are looking for,
”
she said,
“
I can direct you to the proper counter.
”

“
Um,
”
said Miranda.
“
I’m here to pay for some warehouse space, and to see Sir Quiss on a matter of some property.
”

“
Excellent. I hope you’re having an enjoyable day. Please, that counter over there.
”
She gestured smoothly across the room to a man with spectacles signing and stamping some papers.
“
I’ll let someone know to inform Sir Quiss.
”

“
Ah… yes, thank you. Good day to you, too.
”
Miranda nodded to the woman and grabbed Caldan by the arm, pulling him along with her to the counter. The lady had retreated to stand by the open doors.

“
Weird,
”
remarked Miranda.

“
Yes. Is her job to stand there and help people who look like they need it? Do you think she does anything else?
”

“
How should I know? I would hope so. Paying someone to stand around doing nothing all day seems odd.
”

They approached the bespectacled man, but before Miranda could utter a word he spoke.

“
One moment please.
”
He continued to sign and stamp documents, tutting at one before placing it in a pile to his left. He removed his spectacles and rubbed his nose.

“
Now… how may I help you?
”
he inquired.

“
My name is Miranda, and I am here to…
”

“
Ah, yes, pay for some warehouse space. Now, where is that contract?
”
he said half to himself and searched through one of the piles in front of him.

“
Here is the payment.
”
Miranda withdrew a purse and deposited it on the table. The man raised both hands to stop her.

“
I’m sorry, I don’t accept coins.
”

“
I beg your pardon?
”
asked Miranda.
“
But if you don’t accept coins, how am I to pay?
”

“
Oh, you’re not familiar with our process? I can’t accept coins, but the cashier over there does.
”
He pointed to a lady across the room counting coins, flanked by two large muscular men.
“
You need to pay her and receive a receipt, then bring the receipt to me.
”

Miranda sighed.
“
Of course. I’ll be right back.
”

The trip to the cashier to hand over the coins and receive a receipt was uneventful, but both of them shifted uncomfortably under the watchful gaze of the large men positioned to protect the lady from any attempts at theft. Sizing the men up, Caldan didn’t think anyone in their right mind would take them on.

As they were re-crossing the room, Miranda remarked to Caldan,
“
Professional operation they have here.
”

It didn’t look professional to him. Why not have the person you were dealing with accept your ducats?
“
What do you mean?
”

“
Only a few people handle the ducats, so it’s harder to steal.
”

“
Oh, I thought they were being difficult.
”